Ivana and Melania Trump’s Tense Relationship From Public Feuds to Mutual Respect

The animosity between Melania and Ivana Trump became widely publicized in 2017 when Ivana released her book, “Raising Trump.” During a promotional appearance on Good Morning America, Ivana stoked tensions by asserting that she was the true “first lady” in Donald Trump’s life. This led Melania to respond with a statement labeling Ivana as “attention-seeking and self-serving noise.”

Despite the public sparring, Ivana clarified in her book that she harbors no jealousy towards Melania. As reported by People, Ivana wrote, “Why should I? She didn’t break up my marriage. Her son, Barron, 11, often plays with my grandchildren. Donald is happy with her, and our interactions have been cordial.” She added, “Frankly, I wouldn’t want to be in Melania’s Louboutins right now.”

Ivana also recounted a minor conflict with Melania in the fall of 2015, shortly after Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy. While discussing the potential challenges Melania might face as the First Lady with her friends, Ivana’s comments were misrepresented in the media. She was quoted as saying, “[Melania] can’t talk, she can’t give a speech, she doesn’t go to events, she doesn’t seem to want to be involved.” To mend fences, Ivana texted Melania, offering her support: “You have never done anything wrong to me and I never have to you. You are in the family, and I would never do anything against the family. Love, Ivana.” This gesture helped to smooth things over between them, As per Town and Country.

Despite their past tensions, Ivana and Melania share several similarities: both are devoted mothers, immigrants who found success in America, and former models who became wealthy socialites and businesswomen. However, Ivana’s relationship with Marla Maples, Donald Trump’s second wife, was far more contentious. Maples had an affair with Donald while he was still married to Ivana, leading to their divorce, as per CBS News.

In her memoir, Ivana recalled the moment she realized her marriage was over when Maples introduced herself and professed her love for Donald. Ivana famously told Maples to “get lost.” In a CBS’ Sunday Morning interview, Ivana called Maples a “showgirl,” adding, “She’s a showgirl. Never achieved anything in her life.”

Despite the animosity between Ivana and Marla Maples, Tiffany Trump, Donald, and Maples’ daughter, attended Ivana’s burial to pay her respects to the mother of her half-siblings. This act underscored the complex, interwoven relationships within the Trump family, highlighting moments of mutual respect amidst their turbulent history.